Water Plant Operator

This position is responsible for skilled, licensed work in the operation and maintenance of equipment in water treatment/pretreatment plants. Work involves the operation of water treatment facilities and equipment to ensure compliance with discharge permits. This position is also responsible for preventative maintenance of plant equipment.

Incumbents in this classification are fully qualified plant operators responsible for the efficient operation of wastewater and/or water treatment equipment on an assigned shift.

• Operates and maintains equipment such as pumps, blowers, motors, bar screens, chemical feed systems, laboratory and other equipment;
• Determines necessary adjustments to chemical dosages; wastes and returns sludge to maintain compliance with permit limits;
• Detects improper operation of equipment and reports need for repair;
• Collects samples, monitors and analyzes lab test data and records test results;
• Takes daily meter readings for monthly reports;
• Replaces chlorine cylinders and regulates the flow of chlorine;
• Logs data into computerized system and onto State reports;
• Operates air compressors and other electrical equipment;
• Operates sludge press and conducts lab tests;
• Operates pump or dump truck as necessary;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent; must be able to pass pre-employment written exam to demonstrate the ability to learn complete the required study manual (California Manual) for Water Treatment Volumes I and II within 12 months.

• Knowledge of all Federal, State and local safety practices and procedures;
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment/pretreatment practices and procedures;
• Knowledge of laboratory analysis for process control;
• Skill in performing routine mechanical repairs;
• Ability to detect flaws and defects in the operation of treatment equipment and initiate proper corrective actions;
• Ability to prepare and maintain reports;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public;
• Ability to ascend and descend vertically in distances up to 25 feet;
• Ability to lift up to fifty pounds;
• Ability to use a two-way radio;
• Ability to drive standard equipped vehicles;
• Ability to negotiate uneven terrain;
• Ability to read and interpret charts, graphs and gauges;
• Ability to tolerate environments containing dust, dirt, grease, smoke, fumes and potential hazards

Wastewater plant environment; some exposure to dust and noise; some heavy lifting, standing, walking and climbing; may work at heights; work in inclement weather conditions; may work in confined spaces.

Supervisory Controls: Work is assigned by the Water Superintendent according to department goals and objectives.

Guidelines
:
Guidelines include Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to water treatment.

Complexity
:
The work consists of water treatment/pretreatment maintenance tasks.

Scope and Effect: The purpose of this position is to provide responsible skilled and licensed work in the operation and maintenance of equipment in water treatment/pretreatment plants.

Personal Contacts: Contacts are typically with co-workers and the general public.

Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are typically to give and exchange information, resolve problems and provide services.

Physical Demands: The work requires intermittent periods of sitting, standing and walking. When collecting samples, operating/repairing equipment and changing chemical systems, the incumbent is required to climb stairs and ladders, reach over equipment to make adjustments, turn large valves, climb into confined areas, lift objects weighing over 50 pounds and use tools requiring a high degree of dexterity. The incumbent must be able to distinguish between shades of color when performing laboratory analysis.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility: Class I Operator position exercises supervision over shift changes and Class II and Class III Operator positions.